elytron

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun either of the horny front wings in beetles and some other insects which cover and protect the functional hind wings

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ἔλυτρον (élutron, “sheath”).

[I] Elytra is derived from a Greek word, [Greek: elytrou], a sheath. — Adventures of a Young Naturalist, Lucien Biart
It was fastened about his body by a band of the hair-cloth, fastened to the two protuberances of the elytra, or wing-cases, on either side of the dorsal surface. — Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1930, Unknown
I can assure you that the greater part of the idiots in this part of the country are unaware that I have ever written a book at all--I, the first man who ever described the true function of the elytra. — Tales of Terror and Mystery, Arthur Conan Doyle

wing case

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